Dan Clark E3 Headphone Review

[redwingnine]

The review I linked fits with the measurements and with my own impressions. As I stated I listened to the E3 EQ'd to the FR of the Edition 15 and it does sound tubby and off.

Most reviewers out there basically only publish positive reviews since they depend on the manufacturers sending them new gear, so I do not consider any majority opinion to be important.

Fair enough. As started before, "trusted reviewers" often don't even agree about a specific headphone. There is a video where 3 reviewers go through a large list of headphones, and often disagree.

I would not EQ the Edition 15s, as they were one of the very few headphones I thought didn't need it. Some of the wide deltas on opinions has to do with the S-Logic. It works well for me. YMMV.

I find the Edition 15 can sound excellent, PROVIDED, the DAC/AMP setup is a good match. The 15's are very sensitive to the electronics driving them. The Chord Hugo series and the Aurouasound amps are a very good match for the 15's. For example, I found the 15s to sound better than the Focal Stellia by a fair margin. For rock and jazz, some recordings with the 15s have a near life like presence region much like a high end tube setup.

The E3s sound great, and to me, do need EQ to be enjoyed. I find them to sound their best with classical and small scale jazz music. We all hear differently, and the DAC/AMP combo can make or break any headphone listening experience. The more I listen to them, the more I appreciate how good they are.

 

[neg]

Fair enough. As started before, "trusted reviewers" often don't even agree about a specific headphone. There is a video where 3 reviewers go through a large list of headphones, and often disagree.

I would not EQ the Edition 15s, as they were one of the very few headphones I thought didn't need it. Some of the wide deltas on opinions has to do with the S-Logic. It works well for me. YMMV.

I find the Edition 15 can sound excellent, PROVIDED, the DAC/AMP setup is a good match. The 15's are very sensitive to the electronics driving them. The Chord Hugo series and the Aurouasound amps are a very good match for the 15's. For example, I found the 15s to sound better than the Focal Stellia by a fair margin. For rock and jazz, some recordings with the 15s have a near life like presence region much like a high end tube setup.

The E3s sound great, and to me, do need EQ to be enjoyed. I find them to sound their best with classical and small scale jazz music. We all hear differently, and the DAC/AMP combo can make or break any headphone listening experience. The more I listen to them, the more I appreciate how good they are.

What EQ correction for E3 you are using exactly now?

 

[redwingnine]

Not using any EQ for the E3. The only EQ I employ is with my phone (Sound ID from Sonarworks) for the Sennheiser Momentum 4., or the Sony MDR-Z7.

My past experience with EQ is mixed at best. To me, their is as much down side as up side using EQ, especially with low sensitive headphones. Best to buy headphones that are close to the Harman curve, I reckon.

 

[jdjung]

As an aside, if you don't like the look of the E3, or just want a change and have a Cricut Joy (goes for $99 bucks when on sale), you can do this. I posted this already in another forum but thought I would share here as well since I love these forums. You need to adjust the image to 3.03 wide and 4.38 high (see fourth image), there is a small bit of a gap, so I had some leeway when placing it. If you want no gap then slightly resize it by .01 till you're happy. I've also attached the PNG file, just drag and drop into the Cricut Joy software. I used corrugated carboard hard pressure setting with vinyl side up so I wouldn't have to do repeat cuts and the software has a mirror effect so you only need one image. (the image was taken from Dan Clark's post where I requested if he could upload it for us and then used Gimp to make the relevant parts transparent.) The vinyl used is Blue Forged Carbon Fiber and it shimmers and changes from nearly black to what you see in light and looks holographic.

 

[paudio]

As an aside, if you don't like the look of the E3, or just want a change and have a Cricut Joy (goes for $99 bucks when on sale), you can do this. I posted this already in another forum but thought I would share here as well since I love these forums. You need to adjust the image to 3.03 wide and 4.38 high (see fourth image), there is a small bit of a gap, so I had some leeway when placing it. If you want no gap then slightly resize it by .01 till you're happy. I've also attached the PNG file, just drag and drop into the Cricut Joy software. I used corrugated carboard hard pressure setting with vinyl side up so I wouldn't have to do repeat cuts and the software has a mirror effect so you only need one image. (the image was taken from Dan Clark's post where I requested if he could upload it for us and then used Gimp to make the relevant parts transparent.) The vinyl used is Blue Forged Carbon Fiber and it shimmers and changes from nearly black to what you see in light and looks holographic.

Looks sick. I think I like how it looks more than stock.

 

[Robbo99999]

As an aside, if you don't like the look of the E3, or just want a change and have a Cricut Joy (goes for $99 bucks when on sale), you can do this. I posted this already in another forum but thought I would share here as well since I love these forums. You need to adjust the image to 3.03 wide and 4.38 high (see fourth image), there is a small bit of a gap, so I had some leeway when placing it. If you want no gap then slightly resize it by .01 till you're happy. I've also attached the PNG file, just drag and drop into the Cricut Joy software. I used corrugated carboard hard pressure setting with vinyl side up so I wouldn't have to do repeat cuts and the software has a mirror effect so you only need one image. (the image was taken from Dan Clark's post where I requested if he could upload it for us and then used Gimp to make the relevant parts transparent.) The vinyl used is Blue Forged Carbon Fiber and it shimmers and changes from nearly black to what you see in light and looks holographic.

Looks sick. I think I like how it looks more than stock.

I like the look of the stock better, I think the modified looks a bit gawdy.

 

[jdjung]

I like the look of the stock better, I think the modified looks a bit gawdy.

The point isn't if the vinyl I choose looks better or not, you can customize it anyway you want. It's the fact that since it's Gorrila Glass 3 and flat, it's fairly easy to modify except for the two holes. If you like wood, then you can buy the more expensive Cricut Explorer/Makers, buy some real wood veneer and have real wood covers. I may go that path, since I'm really thinking I would like a dark wood color as well. Maybe cut a magnetic sheet so it's easily swappable, though I don't know if that's a good idea having a magnetic backing that might effect the drivers. I don't suggest using an exacto knife unless you're really confident with your knife skills on 2k headphones.

 

[AryaStealth]

I received DCA E3 today, and I have to say that I'm dissappointed with this headphone. I didn't notice that is doesn't have a comfortable classic leather strap headband like cheaper DCA Drop AEON headphones and most Hifimans. For some unknown reason DCA designers decided that it is a great idea to put a piece of BENT METAL in the leather strap, so now you have a metal headband bent at 45 degress on both sides of your head that creates strong pressure points on top of your head and under your ears. I have an urge to put it off after 15 minutes, it is too uncomfortable to wear.
Comfort should always be the number one priority.

By the way, does my dac/amp have enough power to drive E3? If I read the measurments correctly Low Gain mode doesn't have enough power, but High Gain should drive E3 without clipping.

 

[staticV3]

By the way, does my dac/amp have enough power to drive E3? If I read the measurments correctly Low Gain mode doesn't have enough power, but High Gain should drive E3 without clipping.

The A20d 2023 will drive the E3 to about 107dB SPL Peak in Low gain and about 115dB SPL Peak in High gain.

For reference, I usually listen at about 80dB SPL Peak, so 15% of E3+A20d Low gain and 10% of E3+A20d High gain.

 

[Chagall]

I received DCA E3 today, and I have to say that I'm dissappointed with this headphone. I didn't notice that is doesn't have a comfortable classic leather strap headband like cheaper DCA Drop AEON headphones and most Hifimans. For some unknown reason DCA designers decided that it is a great idea to put a piece of BENT METAL in the leather strap, so now you have a metal headband bent at 45 degress on both sides of your head that creates strong pressure points on top of your head and under your ears. I have an urge to put it off after 15 minutes, it is too uncomfortable to wear.
Comfort should always be the number one priority.

By the way, does my dac/amp have enough power to drive E3? If I read the measurments correctly Low Gain mode doesn't have enough power, but High Gain should drive E3 without clipping.

The leather strap needs some time to loosen up and conform to your head. I don't feel it anymore, and really wasn't a big deal for me from the start. Also, I don't use the carrying case, so just leave them unfolded. Honestly, never knew metal was in the strap let alone felt it.

Own them for 6 months now and I'm still very satisfied with E3. My one gripe would be that I can't listen to them now during summer for too long - sweaty ears! Guess that goes for all closedbacks.

 

[paudio]

I like the look of the stock better, I think the modified looks a bit gawdy.

Personally I've found all colored stitching from DCA gawdy. I would rather a matte finish combined with the much more subtle coloring of the noire. That being said I think the blue decal matches the stitching better than the stock siding.

 

[jdjung]

I received DCA E3 today, and I have to say that I'm dissappointed with this headphone. I didn't notice that is doesn't have a comfortable classic leather strap headband like cheaper DCA Drop AEON headphones and most Hifimans. For some unknown reason DCA designers decided that it is a great idea to put a piece of BENT METAL in the leather strap, so now you have a metal headband bent at 45 degress on both sides of your head that creates strong pressure points on top of your head and under your ears. I have an urge to put it off after 15 minutes, it is too uncomfortable to wear.
Comfort should always be the number one priority.

You sure it's metal, feels like plastic to me. It's also one of the most comfortable headphones for me to wear, I suppose everyone has a different head shape. I have the Noire as well and do like that I can fold the leather away from the ear cups when in it's case. This headband definitely compress the pads when folded up.

 

[Robbo99999]

I received DCA E3 today, and I have to say that I'm dissappointed with this headphone. I didn't notice that is doesn't have a comfortable classic leather strap headband like cheaper DCA Drop AEON headphones and most Hifimans. For some unknown reason DCA designers decided that it is a great idea to put a piece of BENT METAL in the leather strap, so now you have a metal headband bent at 45 degress on both sides of your head that creates strong pressure points on top of your head and under your ears. I have an urge to put it off after 15 minutes, it is too uncomfortable to wear.
Comfort should always be the number one priority.

By the way, does my dac/amp have enough power to drive E3? If I read the measurments correctly Low Gain mode doesn't have enough power, but High Gain should drive E3 without clipping.

I know it's not ideal for you, but I'm wondering if your head will get used to the pressure points - I know the human body can get used to repeated exposure so that the uncomfortable becomes the comfortable, ha! I mean I know that's not ideal, but it does work out that way sometimes. (Sorry, @Chagall , I hadn't read your post where you're basically saying the same thing from your own experience indeed!)

 

[Robbo99999]

Personally I've found all colored stitching from DCA gawdy. I would rather a matte finish combined with the much more subtle coloring of the noire. That being said I think the blue decal matches the stitching better than the stock siding.

It is a personal thing though isn't it, aesthetics, so it's fine that we like different things from that point of view.

 

[Henreid]

If I ever have to part with my speakers, this is the final solution for me. Thank you for this review and DCA for sending it in.

I agree with you. After seeing Amir's analysis of the E3 (and reading additional reviews that concur with his assessment) I'm fairly convinced that these headphones are precisely what I've been hoping to find. We could also reasonably conclude that Dan Clark Audio may have rendered their $4,000 Stealth model nearly obsolete with the introduction of the E3. My home is essentially soundproof to neighbors so I'm in no danger of causing an issue with my music, which brings up my next point (that could seem a bit idiotic among a community of headphone fans): I have been listening to music over good loudspeakers for half a century, now, and I think it has skewed my ability to appreciate long-term headphone use. The E3s seem like the ideal model for me, but I'm wondering if it makes sense for a retired person with a modest income to spend $2,000 on superb headphones for occasional use (especially since $2,000 could buy that retired person a state-of-the-art TV, or that pair of high-quality subwoofers he's been desiring). I admit that I idle away so much time in analysis paralysis it might be my preferred mode of being...

 

[LoFiAudiophile]

(especially since $2,000 could buy that retired person a state-of-the-art TV, or that pair of high-quality subwoofers he's been desiring). I admit that I idle away so much time in analysis paralysis it might be my preferred mode of being...

Whether spending $2000 on entertainment makes sense is a very personal question, but assuming it does, $2000 will get a state of the art, nearly perfect sound through headphones. However getting the same sound through loudspeakers is still questionable - they need Eq, room correction and are fiddly. I love speakers and their “thump” but I end up listening to headphone way more than speakers.

My $0.02 is to spend money on what you spend your time on.

 

[Robbo99999]

I agree with you. After seeing Amir's analysis of the E3 (and reading additional reviews that concur with his assessment) I'm fairly convinced that these headphones are precisely what I've been hoping to find. We could also reasonably conclude that Dan Clark Audio may have rendered their $4,000 Stealth model nearly obsolete with the introduction of the E3. My home is essentially soundproof to neighbors so I'm in no danger of causing an issue with my music, which brings up my next point (that could seem a bit idiotic among a community of headphone fans): I have been listening to music over good loudspeakers for half a century, now, and I think it has skewed my ability to appreciate long-term headphone use. The E3s seem like the ideal model for me, but I'm wondering if it makes sense for a retired person with a modest income to spend $2,000 on superb headphones for occasional use (especially since $2,000 could buy that retired person a state-of-the-art TV, or that pair of high-quality subwoofers he's been desiring). I admit that I idle away so much time in analysis paralysis it might be my preferred mode of being...

I've not listened to the E3, but I imagine that by using EQ with some decent more affordable headphones would get you quite close to E3 or maybe even as good, but it's just hard to say. I suppose buying the E3 is the no fuss option - buy it and you're quite likely to enjoy it, whereas the cheaper option of buying other decent headphones & EQ'ing them is more of a project & an unknown. I normally recommend people buy the Sennheiser HD560s if they're new to headphones and want to use some EQ, but the headphone has changed a little with it's latest version that's been released and it's likely to require a slight modification to the Oratory EQ to make it sound best, but I know what that modification is after measuring a few units of both Old Version & New Version HD560s (or the simpler option would be to use the EQ I use for it rather than modify an Oratory EQ).....but yes you can see it's getting more complicated & there are more unknowns being thrown into the equation.......so Dan Clark E3 is a no fuss option, albeit expensive.
I'll quickly drop 2 links for you to quickly read to know more detail about Old Version/New Version HD560s & the EQ I use for it if you ever think about getting HD560s:
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...sion-of-sennheiser-hd-560s.40927/post-1744868

New version of Sennheiser HD 560S (!)

Hey again! I used the AutoEQ import tool available in EqualizerAPO w/ the Peace UI - looks like it is quite jank. Here is attempt #2! I hope I got this right this time! Should I move your settings to the front bands (1, 2, 3), or leave oratory1990's settings as bands 1-10? Does that make a...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[redwingnine]

I've not listened to the E3, but I imagine that by using EQ with some decent more affordable headphones would get you quite close to E3 or maybe even as good, but it's just hard to say. I suppose buying the E3 is the no fuss option - buy it and you're quite likely to enjoy it, whereas the cheaper option of buying other decent headphones & EQ'ing them is more of a project & an unknown. I normally recommend people buy the Sennheiser HD560s if they're new to headphones and want to use some EQ, but the headphone has changed a little with it's latest version that's been released and it's likely to require a slight modification to the Oratory EQ to make it sound best, but I know what that modification is after measuring a few units of both Old Version & New Version HD560s (or the simpler option would be to use the EQ I use for it rather than modify an Oratory EQ).....but yes you can see it's getting more complicated & there are more unknowns being thrown into the equation.......so Dan Clark E3 is a no fuss option, albeit expensive.
I'll quickly drop 2 links for you to quickly read to know more detail about Old Version/New Version HD560s & the EQ I use for it if you ever think about getting HD560s:
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...sion-of-sennheiser-hd-560s.40927/post-1744868

New version of Sennheiser HD 560S (!)

Hey again! I used the AutoEQ import tool available in EqualizerAPO w/ the Peace UI - looks like it is quite jank. Here is attempt #2! I hope I got this right this time! Should I move your settings to the front bands (1, 2, 3), or leave oratory1990's settings as bands 1-10? Does that make a...

www.audiosciencereview.com

I don't personally feel the E3 needs any EQ for anomalies with the headphone frequency response. They are pretty close to the Harman curve, slightly more lively. The distortion with the E3 is SO LOW, doubtful any dynamic driver can reach this low distortion levels. It's one of those things that you notice right off the bat with the E3. Once the E3 breaks in, with well recorded music, going back to a dynamic headphone, the deltas regarding distortion jumps out at the listener.

 

[Robbo99999]

I don't personally feel the E3 needs any EQ for anomalies with the headphone frequency response. They are pretty close to the Harman curve, slightly more lively. The distortion with the E3 is SO LOW, doubtful any dynamic driver can reach this low distortion levels. It's one of those things that you notice right off the bat with the E3. Once the E3 breaks in, with well recorded music, going back to a dynamic headphone, the deltas regarding distortion jumps out at the listener.

I'm not suggesting that E3 needs any EQ at all, which is why I said it was the no fuss option. The E3 is indeed low distortion, although I'm not as confident as you are that it would be the most important variable that you would notice - there's probably a bit more scope for worse distortion measurements than the E3 and still not noticing the distortion during listening. Some dynamic driver headphones have very low distortion, in fact the HD560s that I recommended is one of them. A few years ago I sent one of my Sennheiser HD560s units to Oratory for measurement and he sent me back distortion measurements for it (amoungst all other types of measurement) and this is was the result:

That is actually showing lower distortion than the E3 all the way up to 104dB (particularly if you take the 40Hz distortion hump into account of the E3), however at 114dB it's slightly worse. So you can certainly get low enough distortion from dynamic driver headphones.

 

[Chagall]

I'm not suggesting that E3 needs any EQ at all, which is why I said it was the no fuss option. The E3 is indeed low distortion, although I'm not as confident as you are that it would be the most important variable that you would notice - there's probably a bit more scope for worse distortion measurements than the E3 and still not noticing the distortion during listening. Some dynamic driver headphones have very low distortion, in fact the HD560s that I recommended is one of them. A few years ago I sent one of my Sennheiser HD560s units to Oratory for measurement and he sent me back distortion measurements for it (amoungst all other types of measurement) and this is was the result:
View attachment 379508
That is actually showing lower distortion than the E3 all the way up to 104dB (particularly if you take the 40Hz distortion hump into account of the E3), however at 114dB it's slightly worse. So you can certainly get low enough distortion from dynamic driver headphones.

Agreed! IMO if the frequency response and distortion levels of planar/dynamic headphones are similar there aren't any <EDIT>sonic</EDIT> reasons to go one way or the other.

Maybe low-end extension is a pro for planars, but dynamics can solve this with EQ. However, the con is that they are usually heavier and more uncomfortable during long listening sessions vs lighter dynamics.

RTINGs states that planars have marginally better soundstage (usually planar drivers are larger), while dynamics have better imaging (due to difficult manufacturing and matching, planars can have errors in the phase response). However, this is all in theory and isn't true in every case.

Think it's better to choose headphones based on utility and listening habits - closed back or open, wireless, easy to drive, weight, and even looks rather than based on drivers. Of course, FR and distortion numbers need to be satisfactory.